How To Avoid Kickback - Husqvarna T525 Operator's Manual

Securing the work position for two-handed use
WARNING! Never use a chainsaw by holding it with one
hand. A chainsaw is not safely controlled with one hand;
you can cut yourself. Always have a secure, firm grip
around the handles with both hands.
To allow the operator to hold the saw with both hands,
they should as general rule, aim for secure work position
where they are operating the saw at:
• hip level when cutting horizontal sections.
• solar plexus level when cutting vertical sections.
Where the operator is working close into vertical stems
with a low lateral forces on their work position, then a
good footing may be all that is needed to maintain a
secure work position. However as operators move away
from the stem, they will need to take steps to remove or
counteract the increasing lateral forces by, for example, a
re-direct of the main line via a supplementary anchor
point or using an adjustable strop direct from the harness
to a supplementary anchor point.
Gaining a good footing at the working position can be
assisted by use of a temporary foot stirrup created from
an endless sling.
Freeing a trapped saw
WARNING! If the chain jams in the cut:
!
stop the engine! Don't try to pull the
chainsaw free. If you do you may be
injured by the chain when the chainsaw
suddenly breaks free. Use a lever to open
up the cut and free the chainsaw.
26 – English
WORKING TECHNIQUES
If the saw should become trapped during cutting,
operators should:
• switch off the saw and attach it securely to the tree
inboard (i.e. towards the truck side) of the cut or to a
separate tool line.
• pull the saw from the kerf whilst lifting the branch as
necessary.
• if necessary, use a handsaw or second chainsaw to
release the trapped saw by cutting a minimum of 30
cm away from the trapped saw.
Whether a handsaw or a chainsaw is used to free a stuck
saw, the release cuts should always be outboard (toward
the tips of the branch), in order to prevent the saw being
taken with the section and further complicating the
situation.

How to avoid kickback

WARNING! Kickback can happen very
!
suddenly and violently; kicking the
chainsaw, bar and chain back at the user.
If this happens when the chain is moving
it can cause very serious, even fatal
injuries. It is vital you understand what
causes kickback and that you can avoid
it by taking care and using the right
working technique.
What is kickback?
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden
reaction that causes the chainsaw and bar to jump off an
object when the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar,
known as the kickback zone, touches an object.
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar.
Normally the chainsaw and bar are thrown backwards
and upwards towards the user. However, the chainsaw
may move in a different direction depending on the way it
was being used when the kickback zone of the bar
touched the object.
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar
touches an object.